
[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 226 (Wednesday, November 23, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72308-72309]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-30288]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2011-1039]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Upper Mississippi River, 
Dubuque, IA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the 
Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge across the Upper Mississippi 
River, mile 579.9, at Dubuque, Iowa. The deviation is necessary to 
allow the bridge owner time to perform preventive maintenance that is 
essential to the continued safe operation of the drawbridge. 
Maintenance is scheduled in the winter when there is less impact on 
navigation; instead of scheduling work in the summer, when river 
traffic increases. This deviation allows the bridge to open on signal 
if at least 24-hours advance notice is given.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 12:01 a.m., December 19, 2011 
to 7 a.m., February 27, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2011-1039 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2011-1039 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search''. They are also available 
for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), 
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Eric A. Washburn, Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers, 
Coast Guard; telephone (314) 269-2378, email Eric.Washburn@uscg.mil. If 
you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad 
requested a temporary deviation for the Illinois Central Railroad 
Drawbridge, across the Upper Mississippi River, mile 579.9, at Dubuque, 
Iowa to open on signal if at least 24-hours advance notice is given for 
70 days from 12:01 a.m., December 19, 2011 to 7 a.m., February 27, 2012 
to allow the bridge owner time for preventive maintenance. The Rock 
Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge currently operates in accordance 
with 33 CFR 117.5, which states the general requirement that the 
drawbridge shall open promptly and fully for the passage of vessels 
when a request to open is given in accordance with the subpart.
    There are no alternate routes for vessels transiting this section 
of the Upper Mississippi River.
    Winter conditions on the Upper Mississippi River coupled with the 
closure of Army Corps of Engineer's Lock No 16 (Mile 457.2 UMR), Lock 
No. 17 (Mile 437.1 UMR) and Lock No. 18 (Mile 410.5 UMR) until 7:30 
p.m., February 28, 2012 will preclude any significant navigation 
demands for a drawspan opening.
    The Illinois Central Railroad Drawbridge, in the closed-to-
navigation position, provides a vertical clearance of 19.9 feet above 
normal pool. Navigation on the waterway consists primarily of 
commercial tows and recreational watercraft. The drawbridge will open 
if

[[Page 72309]]

at least 24-hours advance notice is given. This temporary deviation has 
been coordinated with waterway users. No objections were received.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: November 4, 2011.
Eric A. Washburn,
Bridge Administrator, Western Rivers.
[FR Doc. 2011-30288 Filed 11-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P


